Having running backs slowing down usually implies a negative connotation. At Queensbury High this fall, "slowing down" meant the Spartans' double-wing attack became much more potent.

Queensbury coach John Irion installed the double-wing offense when he arrived in 1997. The Spartans proceeded to reach the state Class A final in 1997 and 1998.

Programs such as Amsterdam, Burnt Hills and Lansingburgh enjoyed successful runs in Class A before Queensbury again rose to the top of the section in 2013.

So, how did the Spartans do it? Led by a talented offensive line, the team's wingbacks and fullbacks have taken turns churning out yardage and doling out punishment for the state's top-ranked squad.

But Irion believes the running backs' abilities to stay behind their blocks and attack at the proper time as helped make this squad unique.

"I had a women years ago tell me she was pleased because she finally knew where the ball was. I guess that means we weren't faking it very well," Irion said. "The misdirection and the deception has to be with the fakes. I have to get on their case about it. We're real pleased. They have to let the lineman get to the blocks. It is a real advantage for us when the backs are patient."

"At the beginning of the year, it was a challenge. There were times when we were running in front of the lead blocker," Queensbury sophomore wingback Brett Rodriguez said. "Some of the guys, like (lineman) Marc Lambert and Kyle Gross, would say, 'Hey, stay behind me ... stay and wait, and then you can go.' That is the biggest difference."

"We always try to read them. You don't want to be too jumpy. There might be an ounce of daylight, but it may not be the time to go," Queensbury senior standout Kody Bruno said. "You want to hit it. The key is following your blocks."

The Spartans (11-0) can secure the program's first trip to the Syracuse Carrier Dome in 15 years Friday night with a Class A semifinal victory over Section IX champion Cornwall (10-1) at Kingston's Dietz Stadium. Game time is 8.

"The style they play is something we don't see around here. We're looking forward to the challenge," Cornwall coach Marcus Hughes said. "You can't simulate what they do."

"Our defense has a hard time stopping us in practice — and they know the plays and know what is coming," Rodriguez said.

Seventeen different ballcarriers have helped the Spartans amass 3,616 yards rushing. The leader of the pack is Rodriguez, who has carried the ball 95 times for 993 yards and 10 rushing touchdowns.

"We're all good athletes," Rodriguez said. "The seven of us, which people call the 'Super Seven,' just wear people out. The line is so physical that teams don't want to play us by the fourth quarter. That's when we take over."

"You want the backs that are able to do everything: run, block and carry out fakes," Irion said. "As many as I have each year, I use them all."

This season's squad features 46 players, by far the largest during Irion's tenure.

Rarely has one back ever seen the bulk of the carries. This season, it is a rare occasion when any of the ballcarriers surpass 10 carries in a game.

Talented backs staying fresh pays big dividends, like when Bruno busted a beautiful 21-yard touchdown run in the final 90 seconds in Queensbury's 14-7 Super Bowl win over Burnt Hills.

"We have to be patient and wait for our carries. Everybody is going to have their fame," Bruno said. "It is a lot fun knowing that we can physically wear teams down. We have to be precise every play."

"It is great to stay fresh," Rodriguez said. "I think we all play a little bit harder. The carries are limited, so we always push for that extra yard and run a little faster hoping that will be the one that breaks it. Whoever is hot will get it. We're going to spread the wealth."

Things to know: Cornwall won its sixth sectional title since 2007 with a 48-21 victory over Wallkill two weeks ago. The Dragons advanced to the semifinals with a 34-7 quarterfinal verdict over Section I champion Somers. ... Burnt Hills denied Cornwall a trip to the state final with semifinal victories in 2009 (41-16), 2011 (35-14) and 2012 (28-13). ... Cornwall has outscored opponents 428-196 after opening the season with a 49-20 loss to Pine Bush. The Dragons have averaged 220 yards passing and 189 yards rushing per game. ... The offense is led by three-year starting quarterback Mike White, who recently gave his oral commitment to Marist College. White has connected on 133 of 233 passes for 2,393 yards and 24 touchdowns. The senior has rushed for 374 yards and 12 touchdowns. He also has been intercepted five times. ... Chris Bauer, who is White's best friend, is the team's top receiver. He has caught 37 passes for 823 yards and 14 touchdowns. He missed three games after catching five touchdown passes vs. Saugerties. He punctured a lung in the game and spent eight days in the hospital. .... Kevin Gengemi led the rushing attack with 976 yards and 12 touchdowns. ... The defense is led by linebackers John Roth (48 solos, 91 assists and five sacks), Quinn Zsido (45 solos, 79 assists and 11 sacks) and Kobe Robinson (24 solos, 47 assists and four interceptions), plus defensive tackle Moiset Santos (22 solos, 51 assists). ... Queensbury is making its first semifinal appearance since advancing to back-to-back state finals in 1997 and 1998 (coach John Irion's first two years coaching the program). ... The Spartans have outscored their opposition 422-124 with four shutouts. ... Queensbury cruised into the semifinals with a 42-0 quarterfinal decision over Massena at Shenendehowa, the same venue where it ended Burnt Hills' Section II title reign after five straight championships. ... The Spartans feature a double-wing offense that has produced 3,616 yards on the ground, led by sophomore Brett Rodriguez (993 yards and 12 touchdowns).. ... The defensive stars include Rodriguez, Taylor Wilson and Phil Wetterson at linebacker, Christopher Johnson and Frank Nassivera on the line and Erik Wetterson in the secondary.